17 or 20 inch iMac ???

I've decided to move into this century as my old graphite iMac becomes more outmoded by the day. I'll be using my new computer for mainly music,photos and basic video. My girlfriend does quite a bit of work from home so was thinking of getting all wi-fied up so she can move the computer around the flat while looking after our 18 month old son. So my question is do we go for a 17 or 20 inch iMac ???? Is the 20 inch that much better ?? Or would people recommend a top of the range iBook. Also is there any market for old graphite iMacs in perfect working order ??

Downstairs where the computer is now a 20 would be a bit big but would be no problem. Upstairs a 20 would be fine. How heavy are they ???
It really doesn't need to be incredibly portable just easy enough to move upstairs once a day.

Why buy a desktop then? I cant see myself carrying my computer (23 KGs eMac ) around my flat even once a day. I certanly dont want to plug everything in it every time and I also have a lot of stuff conected to my computer on my room-spanning desk, including ISDN internet

Why buy a desktop then? I cant see myself carrying my computer (23 KGs eMac ) around my flat even once a day. I certanly dont want to plug everything in it every time and I also have a lot of stuff conected to my computer on my room-spanning desk, including ISDN internet

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Was planning to get aiport express and wireless keyboard and mouse to make it a lot easier

Carrying a computer up and down is very different from an 18 month old boy, its to do with weight distribution. Don't forget he will need less sleep as he gets older and will get very interested in this object which gets more attention than himself. He could also get in the way, and that could be annoying as well as dangerous.

Is it possible to get an iBook for your girlfriend and save up for the iMac for yourself?

Personally, if there seriously is a need for a modicum of portability on a regular basis, I would completely forget going for an iMac, particularly the 20" version. The weight and sheer bulk will quickly kill that idea.

Get a portable, definitely.

If you can stretch to it, a PowerBook 15" with Superdrive would provide the best compromise in screen real estate and performance, but otherwise I'm sure a top of the range iBook would be fine.

True that would make it easier, but she's going to have to make a couple of trips to carry all of it. Whereas an iBook, just close the lid and carry it all away....

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You've not touched on cost at all. If that's cause you're loaded why not get a couple of iMacs . One step down from that if you get wireless keyboards and mice matbe look at getting two of those, at least when your child throws up on the keyboard you can replace the keyboard easier than a nice hot PowerBook with vomit inside!

You've not touched on cost at all. If that's cause you're loaded why not get a couple of iMacs . One step down from that if you get wireless keyboards and mice matbe look at getting two of those, at least when your child throws up on the keyboard you can replace the keyboard easier than a nice hot PowerBook with vomit inside!

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Yeah - that's a good point. Something else to consider too could be a seperate display for downstairs? Cost wise between the 20" iMac and an iBook with an additional screen is probably the same.

Thanks for all the replies everybody very helpful. Money is an issue as I don't think we do enough computing to warrant a Powerbook. Our flat has the bedrooms downstairs and a big open plan living space kitchen upstairs. Currently we have the iMac set up downstairs which I work on fine (in the evening), but my girlfriend prefers to do her work upstairs where our son prefers to play (much more space) so she can keep an eye on him a lot easier. I just felt an iMac would be the best computer to get and with Airport express we could actually achieve a tiny degree of portability. Maybe an iMac now and an iBook in the future when funds allow.

Thanks for all the replies everybody very helpful. Money is an issue as I don't think we do enough computing to warrant a Powerbook. Our flat has the bedrooms downstairs and a big open plan living space kitchen upstairs. Currently we have the iMac set up downstairs which I work on fine (in the evening), but my girlfriend prefers to do her work upstairs where our son prefers to play (much more space) so she can keep an eye on him a lot easier. I just felt an iMac would be the best computer to get and with Airport express we could actually achieve a tiny degree of portability. Maybe an iMac now and an iBook in the future when funds allow.

My guess is that the iMac could be stuck upstairs, as I can´t see anyone carry an iMac up and down the stairs everyday, but I´ve never tried.
Unless you need alot of power, an iBook is good enough for most people.
Consider the 14" instead of the 12" as the screen feels a little small if you spend long hours infront of it. (I have a 12").

We had it for a year now, and the only times it feels underpowered (as you would guess) is when I edit on Final Cut Pro and have to render etc.
I only edit small things like my showreel, so it´s not that big a problem.

The plan was to get an iMac a little after we bought the ibook, to spread out the cost (and me really wanting one), but we haven´t had the need for it yet.

So go for an ibook unless you really need the power.
We use it all over the flat, sofa, kitchen, bed etc and that´s what makes it great.

I recently purchased a 20 incher and I love it. I admit it that at first you will take it out of the box and tell your self "oh sh*t thats big" but you will get used to it. In regards to it's weight, I don't have a problem picking it up or not, I mean it's not a Mac Mini or anything but it's light enough to move around. I personally think that the screen on the 20 inch is nicer than the screen on the 17 inch...

The iMac's are a little awkward to carry. I tend to pick mine up by both the screen on the bottom and also holding the stand. The stand is surprising heavy, so if you were to just hold the iMac, you would feel a large torque trying to rotate it out of your hand. It sounds like you and your g/f would benefit from getting an iBook instead.

I wouldn't want to carry around my cinema display. These things are so awkward that it makes them feel heavier than they are. You don't want to see an iMac at the bottom of the stairs, or hurt yourself trying to do it.

In my opinion -

Get an iMac, if you can keep it in one location.

Get an iBook, if you're going to use it up and downstairs.

I only use my Powerbook off my main desk 2-3 times per week, and I consider that a chore having to unplug the cables. ha-ha.

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